368 



MANUAL OF GARDENING 



the vine and have a pleasant fragrance. It is one of the best of all 

 fall-flowering vines, and hardy north; clings well to a chicken- wire 

 trellis. 



The large-flowered section, of 'which Jackmani is perhaps the best 

 known, is very popular for pillar or porch climbers. The flowers of 

 this section are large and showy, running from pure white, through 

 blue, to scarlet. Of this class, a serviceable purple is Jackmani; white, 

 Henryi (Fig. 266); blue, Ramona; crimson, Madame E. Andre. 



A deep, mellow, fertile soil, naturally moist, will suit the require- 

 ments of clematis. In dry times apply water freely, particularly for 

 the large-flowered kinds. Also provide trellis or other support as 

 soon as they begin to run. Clematis usually blooms on the wood of 

 the season: therefore prune in winter or early spring, in order to secure 

 strong new flowering shoots. The large-flowered kinds should be cut 

 back to the ground each year; some other kinds may be similarly 

 treated unless they are wanted for permanent bowers. 



The clematis root disease is the depredation of a nematode or eel- 

 worm. It is seldom troublesome in ground that thoroughly freezes, 

 and this may be the reason why it so often fails when planted against 

 buildings. 



Coleus. — The commonest " foliage plant " in window-gardens. It 

 was used very extensively at one time in ornamental bedding and 

 ribbon borders, but owing to its being tender has lost in favor, and its 

 place is largely taken by other plants. 



Coleus is gro^vn with the greatest ease from cuttings or slips. Take 

 cuttings only from vigorous and healthy plants. It may also be grown 

 from seed, although the types have not become fixed, and a large 

 number of differently marked plants may be had from the same packet. 

 This would not be a drawback in the window-garden, unless a uniform 

 effect is desired; in fact, the best results are often secured from seeds. 

 Sow the seed in gentle heat in March. 



Grow new plants each year, and throw the old ones away. 



Crocus (see Bulbs, p. 281). — Crocus is one of the best of spring 

 bulbs, easily grown and giving good satisfaction either in the border 

 or scattered through the lawm. They are also forced for winter (see 



